Morning Prayers Part Two

Yesterday’s Daily Lenten Journey touched on the traditional morning prayer you find in every Orthodox Christian prayer book. These prayers are the foundation of a solid prayer life, sometimes called a prayer rule. Today, we will discuss an ‘extension’ to these prayers.

Rising from sleep, I thank You, Holy Trinity, for in the multitude of Your goodness and compassion, You were not angry with me the idler and sinner, nor have You destroyed me in my transgressions, but You maintained Your usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, You raised me up to offer this morning prayer and to glorify Your power. And now enlighten the eye of my mind; open my mouth to contemplate Your words, and to understand Your commandments, and to do Your will, and to sing to You in heartfelt confession, and to praise Your all-holy name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

This Prayer of Thanksgiving reminds us, even if we are speaking to God, that we have been spared the wrath of God overnight. We should be thankful He chose not to return last night. If He had come, we would not have been ready for Him. He has given us another chance.

Saint John Chrysostom warns us against becoming too complacent in our sins. Just because God spared us last night, doesn’t mean He will spare us again today or even next week. We must change our life. Today is our chance to ‘get it right’ and Live A New Life In Christ.

This is more than just a prayer of thanksgiving. It is a prayer of courage and boldness. We boldly ask that God ‘show us the way’ today so we can do His will. Here’s a ‘tip for today’ to bring this prayer to life.

Open your mouth to praise God today. Rather than chastise your coworker, thank God that He has provided you with other people to get the job done. Rather than jumping to open your mouth at every chance, pause and reflect on today’s prayer. Does God really want you talking now?

Our mouths get in the most trouble with others. Before we even know the entire situation, we are offering our ‘words of wisdom’ which rarely go beyond making us feel superior. God’s will for us is to love our neighbor, not act superior to them.

Great Lent is our daily chance to ‘get it right’ before God returns. Be thankful today for the chance. Put your gratitude into action by changing and guarding your mouth today. If God returns tonight, at least He will see you’ve made the effort.

Tomorrow we will wrap up our personal morning prayers. Happy praying.